At the joint CRB/CRA/CC meeting on November 26, 2018, the board directed staff to explore green bike lanes as a pilot project on S Colorado Avenue and SE Kindred Street to encourage alternative modes of transportation and increase the visibility of the bike lanes. The aim is to make the downtown more bike friendly and make cycling safer, by reminding drivers to watch out for bicyclists when driving across bike lanes. Green Bike Lane Pilot Project will install green bike markings at conflict points between vehicles and bicyclists on S Colorado Avenue from the intersection of S Colorado Ave and SE Ocean Blvd. (confusion corner) to SE Kindred Street.
The benefits of colored bike facility include:
- Promotes the multi-modal nature of a corridor.
- Increases the visibility of bicyclists.
- Discourages illegal parking in the bike lane.
- When used in conflict areas, raises motorists and bicyclists awareness of potential areas of conflict.
- Increases bicyclist comfort through clearly delineated space.
- Increases motorist yielding behavior.
- Helps reduce bicycle conflicts with turning motorists.
- Creates perception of a narrower roadway to encourage safe traffic flow.
- Compliments the green bike racks installed in downtown.
The color green is used nationwide to minimize confusion with other standard traffic control markings. There are three types of green material that can be used to add color to existing bicycle lanes. Listed below are the three options, costs and pros/cons of green bike lanes materials:
1. Performed Thermoplastic - Light Green ($51,994)
a. High Friction - FDOT Approved
b. 8-10 times more durable than paint
c. Has the potential to crack
d. Leading standard for green bike lane projects in FL
2. Traffic Paint – Light Green ($15,944)
a. Not as durable as thermoplastic
b. Color will fade and wear away
c. Paint does not have a friction course
d. Friction applied to the surface will wear away
3. Epoxy Resin – Light Green ($29,444)
a. High Friction – FDOT Approved
b. Color has been found to wear and darken
c Life expectancy same as asphalt pavement (20-30 years)
d. Textured concrete look / non-slip
e. Consistent with crosswalk material in downtown Stuart
Based on the durability, high skid resistance, longevity, costs and compliance with the FDOT regulations, the City staff recommends to apply either performed thermoplastic or epoxy resin to existing bike lanes. The costs is based on Engineer's estimate. Both are high performance materials so depending on the bid and price, the City staff will decide what material to apply.
Attachments
- Resolution No. 05-2019 CRA Budget Amendment #5
- Green Bike Lanes Plan for S Colorado Ave.
- Estimate Material Costs
- Agenda Item Nov. 26, 2018 Joint Meeting